Base-ball curver



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1. J. E. MOKENNA & A. M. BAKER.

BASE BALL GURVBR. No. 385,816. Patented July 10, 1888.

N. PETERE. Phnlo-Lvihngnphen Washmgwn, o. C

(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2. J. E. MOKENNA & A. M. BAKER.

BASE BALL OURVER.

No. 385,816. Patented July 10, 1888.

WITNESSES V JQQ Z VQ d wk J6 adaj WW- a:

2 UNITED STATES PATIENT OF ICE.

JOHN E. MCKENNA AND ALFRED ii. BAKER, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.

BASE-BALL cunvgn.

. SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 385,816, dated July 10, I888.

Application filed January 9. 1898. Serial No. 260,201. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

ie it known that we, JOHN E. MCKEXNA and ALFRED M. BAKER, citizens of the United States, residing at St. Louis, in the State of Missouri, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Base-Ball Cnrveis, of which the following'is a full and clear description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, in whichv Figure 1 represents a perspective view of our ball-carver. Fig. 2 illustrates theposition of the cnrver when the ball is to be delivered with an iii-curve. Fig. 3 illustrates the position of the cu'rvr for an out-curve. Fig. 4 illustrates the position of the curver when an up-shoot is to be delivered. Fig. 5 shows the location of the curver for a downshoot.

Our invention relates to certain devices used by ball-players for the purpose of imparting to the ball an iii-curve, out-curve, upshoot, or down-shoot; and onriuventi0n consists in a flexible eurvcr adapted to be held in the palm of the hand and to bear against the ball in such a manner as to impart; to said ball as it leaves the hand any of the curves above noted.

The object of this invention is to provide ball-pitchers with a simple device readily applied to the hand and of such a nature that the player may, by changing the position of the device, cause the ball as it leaves h s hand to describe either an iii-curve, out-curve, upshoot, or downshoot, as desired.

Referring to the drawings, A represents our ball-cnrv'cr constructed. of flexible material-such as rubbcrand provided at one end with a ring or loop, a, throughwhich the second finger is inserted, whereby the device is retained in position in the hand. The body portion b of the device connects the ring or loop a with the opposite or inner end, 0, said inner end being provided with a flange or disk, I, having its edges or surface roughened b y diagonal or crossed lines or other means, whereby the leverage upon the ball'is greatly increased. I

To better illustrate the operation of our cnrver, we will now refer to Fig. 2, where the flanged inner end of the curver is shown 7 as bearing firmly against the ball upon is let} side. This figure illustrates the position of the device with relation to the ball which the player is about to throw in the usual manner. It will thus be seen that as said ball leaves the hand of the player it will describe an in'curve; or, in other words, the ball will move in a curved line to theleft of the batsman. In this figure it will be observed the ring or loop is pressed down to a point near the base of the finger and the hall held close against the body and flanged end of the cnrver.

In Fig. 3 the position of the cnrver and the ball is reversed, the former in this instance pressing against the latter on its right side, so that as the ball is delivered the flanged portion d imparts that twist and motion which is necessary to cause the ball as it leaves the pitchers hand to move in a curved line the reverse of, that described for Fig. 2. In this case, therefore, the ball moves in a curved line toward the right of the batsman, and thereby makes what is known as the outcurve.

For the np shoot the .ball and eurver are placed in the positions shown in Fig. 4, and

,for the down-shoot they assume the positions illustrated in Fig. 5. In this latter position the ring or loop a of the device is placed near the end of the second finger, and the flange c bent back by the ball, as shown in said Fig. 5.

From the foregoing it will be seen that all the usual curves may be given the ball as it leaves the pitchers hand. At the same time the player has complete control of the ball, and is enabled to grasp it with that firmness which is essential to accurate delivery.

IIaving'tlius described our invention, what we claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. A base-ball cnrvcr oi flexible material having one end flanged and adapted to press upon the ball, and having its opposite end providedwith means for attachment to the hand of the player.

2. The curver A, having at one end the 2 v aaspis loop or ring by which it maybe attached to 1 t0 the linger, and at the opposite end a fl zinge the finger, and at, its opposite end a flange or or disk having a serrated or roughened edge IO disk, said loop or ring and flange being united or surlace, substantially as described.

b'y a flexible b0dy-piece, substantially as de- JOHN E. MCKENNA. ALFRED M.'BAKER.

3. As an article of manufactme, a ballcnrver formed of rubber having at one end a ring or loop by which it may be attached Witnesses:

' H. J. BURGDURF,

W. H. Pxrrnnsos. 

